How Ian Dillon conquered Costa Daurada
Ian Dillnn was still elated about his Catalan Open success when we caught up with him shortly after his Costa Daurada heroics. "I was surprised and delighted to win, since it was my first time to play this course. It's always tricky playing a course you are not familiar with."
In typical Irish fashion, the reigning Leinster Matchplay champion back home was bolstered by massive encouragemnt from fellow competitors who had travelled from the Emerald Isle. "The support from all the Irish players was great, in particular all the Kildare players, especially my clubmate John Delaney, and the experienced players like Sean (Harkins) and Derek (Courtney). There were messages off support from everyone back at home."
Althugh Costa Daurada proved a tough course and the wind and dry ground over the weekend made it even more difficult, the 2020 All Ireland Matchplay finalist found the Tarragona track to his liking. "The course was in great condition and it seemed to suit the way I play. I pitch a high ball and that seemed to help to hold the greens. My putting went well, particularly on the Sunday, and the luck of the Irish was with me!"
Two strokes behind overnight, what was the plan for Sunday? "There was no real plan going out on Sunday, just to try and stay within reach of the leader (Catalan Carlos Lorenzana). "I knew that if I pitched well and scored two or three under, I had a chance of finishing in the top three.".
What’s Ian's view of the Friday/Sunday versus Saturday/Sunday options? Does one or other confer an advantage? Lorenzana completed his opening 36 holes on Friday wile Dillon played the following day. "Personally, I don't think there is an advantage either way, but I perfer to play Saturday and Sunday."
Alexandre Albinyana made a Sunday charge with a final roud 47. Was Ian you aware of how well Alex was doing? "I had no idea what scores were in or how well Alex was doing on the Sunday, I was just concentrating on my own game and shooting the best score I could."
Pivotal moment of the tournament arrived at the penultimate hole. "On the 17th, when I got the putt I thought I have a chance of winning this. Then I had a good pitch on the 18th and a putt for a birdie. Most of the lads thought I would lay up the last putt but that's not me. I had to go for it. That brace of closing birdies gave the Kildare Inter-County star a final round 49, 150 overall and a two stroke margin.
It’s been ten years since Ian played for Ireland (against the Catalans at Papalus). It would be a nice symmetry to qualify for the 2024 World Cup team? "The last time I made the Irish team was 2014, which was a great honour and privilege. To represent your country is a great honour and if I'm lucky enough to do so again, as with every competition, I will give it my best.
